Search Carefully for Jesus - Encouragement for Today - November 19, 2025
Search Carefully for Jesus
KAREN EHMAN
Lee en español
“‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:2 (NLT)
When my kids were growing up, our family had a tradition that we kept for over 20 years. Every December, we picked a night to enjoy barbecue chicken pizza and peppermint ice cream. Then we piled in the car and ventured off to look at Christmas lights. A snow flurry was always a plus, making the bright lights dance.
The kids would each pick a winter or holiday character to look for in the decorations, keeping a running tally of how many they spotted. Kenna might look for snowmen, Mitchell for reindeer. And Spencer loved to discover a green Grinch or two. Whoever picked the most frequently spied character won a small prize.
Our family tradition evokes sweet memories; however, there was one troubling aspect of our yearly adventure. No matter how hard we searched, in the area where we lived, we rarely discovered a Nativity display with Jesus lying in a manger.
Yes, other characters brought giggles to our wide-eyed, pajama-footed children, but the whole point of Christmas is Jesus — and we seldom found Him.
This year, not only in our neighborhoods but in our hearts, let’s decide to search for Jesus carefully and diligently, just as the wise men did in Matthew 2:1-2:
“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him’” (NLT).
At Christmastime, we can easily be inundated with responsibilities. While trying our best to get it all done, it’s easy to miss the Christ child. We scurry and scamper to put on a big bash while practically ignoring the One it’s all about. But these wise men left their daily duties, homes, and studies and went out of their way, traveling many miles through the desert, to find Jesus. Like them, we need to break away from our routines and busyness to take time to look for Him.
It might mean stopping while shopping to sit quietly in our car, praying that God will help us center our thoughts on Jesus more than holiday tasks. Or perhaps it will require us to put down our to-do list and pick up our Bible, reading and absorbing the account of Jesus’ miraculous birth.
However it looks, let’s search carefully for our Savior. He’s there in the middle of the hustle and bustle. And when we find Him, let’s not keep the wonder of His love to ourselves — let’s choose to share it. May we serve others, bless them intentionally, and lift our eyes off of ourselves and onto the real reason for Christmas.
Dear Lord, help me to carefully seek and find You just like the wise men did. May I share the gift of Your love with those I encounter this season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
The holidays have a way of pulling us in a dozen directions, don’t they? Between the shopping lists, gatherings, and traditions, it’s easy to stay busy but miss what our hearts need most. When we pause long enough to fix our eyes on Christ, that’s when we find the lasting peace only He can give. If you enjoyed today’s devotion from Karen Ehman, you’ll love our new Advent study, More Than a Manger. Karen will help you meet Jesus in a fresh, personal way — right in the middle of the holiday hustle. Now’s the perfect moment to prepare your heart and step into the season with Him at the center.
ENGAGE
To celebrate the Advent study, More Than a Manger, Karen is giving away a carved wooden Advent and Lenten spiral candleholder that not only provides an unforgettable tradition for Christmas and Easter but makes a beautiful family heirloom as well. Head to her Instagram for details.
Karen would love to connect with you on her website, where you’ll also find lots of free Bible study resources, or head over to her Instagram!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (ESV).
Luke 2:11-12, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (ESV).
Grab your kids or some friends and head off on an adventure to bless others! Call a homeless shelter or nursing home to ask what needs they have, whether it be coats, blankets, food, visitors, etc. Whatever you give, consider leaving a handwritten note for the recipient that declares, “Jesus came to earth briefly to live with us so we could go to heaven to live forever with Him. Merry Christmas!”
Do you remember any fond traditions from childhood Christmases? How can you build new traditions today that center on Christ and teach others to do the same?Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
